EU Deploys Election Observation Mission Team

On Jun 9, 2017

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In response to an invitation by the Kenyan authorities, the European Union has decided to deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Kenya to observe the General Elections scheduled for 8 August 2017. Former EU EOM recommendations have played a role in promoting political dialogue and the consolidation of democracy in Kenya.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, has appointed Ms. Marietje Schaake Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer.

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Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU and Vice-President of the European Commission

In a statement, the High Representative stated:

“The EU and Kenya are long-standing partners, with 2017 marking 40 years of our cooperation. This is the fourth time that the European Union observes General Elections in Kenya, reflecting our common work to credible, transparent and inclusive elections in the country since our political dialogue and cooperation strategy focuses on supporting good governance. This year’s General Elections are foreseen to be very competitive and we are committed to giving an important contribution to the electoral process through the Election Observation Mission led by Chief Observer Schaake. We expect that the rule of law will prevail with all parties resolving any possible election disputes through dialogue and available legal remedies”.

The Chief Observer, Ms. Schaake, declared while speaking to the press:

“I am honored to lead the EU Election Observation Mission to Kenya. The forthcoming General Elections will be another defining moment in Kenya’s democratic development. Kenya has already achieved impressive progress in terms of democratization and good governance. I trust the Kenyan people will express their political choices in a peaceful and calm environment, thus confirming the significance of democratic institutions. The August polls can further consolidate the democratic record through well-run, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections, with all sides refraining from any actions or statements that may incite violence.”

The EU deployment of Election Observation Mission Team was also posted on the European Union official Twitter handle on June 8:

Background of EU Election Observation Mission (EOM)

The EU has been building on the assessment work done by an Election Expert Team sent out in April to assess the political parties’ primaries, the EOM Core Team of ten EU election analysts will arrive in Nairobi on 13 June, and will stay in the country until the completion of the elections, to prepare a comprehensive assessment of the electoral process.

As from late June, the Core Team will be joined by 30 long-term observers, and later in early August by additional 32 short-term observers who will be deployed across the country. A delegation of the European Parliament and Kenya-based diplomats from the EU Member States will also reinforce the mission on election day.

Read: IEBC Fires Top Official As Election Day Looms

The EU EOM looks forward to co-operating with other international observation missions that have endorsed the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation.

At the request of the Kenyan authorities, the deployment of an EU Election Observation Mission team aims to contribute to enhancing the transparency of the electoral process, the respect for fundamental freedoms and will submit to the consideration of the authorities a set of recommendations to further improve the election framework for future elections. The EU supports African efforts to strengthen the democratization process across the continent.

The EU has always worked in collaboration with the African Union to assist Africa in their quest for peace and development. They have also helped provide relief materials to those affected by terrorism or displaced by natural disaster.

Kenya election this year is expected by the whole world to be the most transparent and credible election ever held in the history of the East African country.

Last year the European Union also sent Election Observation Mission (EOM) team to Ghana where they witnessed a successful transition from an incumbent President to a new President duly elected by the citizens. This move by the EU is one of the numerous measures being put in place to ensure that credible election is conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on August 8, 2017.